"Stick shape" is best for health, say docs

New York, Jan 11 (ANI): While being bottom-heavy is good for health, scientists reckon that a 'stick shape' is the best way to avoid any kind of health problems.

Bizarre as it may seem, but a new study has said that the type of fat behind the pear shape showed off by celebs like Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, could actually protect women from certain serious diseases.

The study by researchers from Harvard Medical School revealed that buttock and hip fat might protect against Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

"The surprising thing was that it wasn't where the fat was located, it was the kind of fat that was the most important variable," The New York Daily News quoted researcher Dr. Ronald Kahn as saying.

He added: "I think it's an important result because not only does it say that not all fat is bad, but I think it points to a special aspect of fat where we need to do more research."

However, unlike a pear shape, the study found that women with an apple shape (whose fat is stored in the tummy), like are more prone to diabetes and heart disease.

"The apple shape is definitely more dangerous. This is because tummy fat is packed around organs like the liver and the pancreas," said Jeff Halevy, a personal trainer and certified fitness coach in Manhattan.

He claimed that having an "apple" shape might not be detrimental to health as long as no extra pounds are on board. He explained that Angelina Jolie, Tyra Banks, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Drew Barrymore all have classic apple shapes, but they can cover it up because they're thin.

He further said that it's not possible for anyone to control his or her basic shape, as DNA regulates it all.Dr. Eric Braverman, author of "Younger (Thinner) You Diet," said that an apple-shaped woman carrying around extra pounds is more prone to diabetes as well as high blood pressure.

"They can also suffer from anxiety, depression and fertility problems," he said.

In fact, he said that even pear-shaped women who have extra fat in the legs and the butts can suffer from osteoporosis, varicose veins, eating disorders, and low self-esteem.

However, much to everybody's relief, he said that both pears and apples can be turned into leaner shapes.

"People do it all the time. In the end, the best shape to be is a celery stick," said Braverman. (ANI)